A FOOD bank has thanked its community after more than £2,000 was raised in just over a week to help keep supplies on the shelves during the coronavirus crisis.

The Redcar area food bank, which is run by Footprints in the Community, had been struggling with the impact of coronavirus, which has seen supermarket shelves emptying and people isolating at home.

The charity had to closed four centres and has been running low on a number of food essentials.

But after an appeal by Redcar campaigner Luke Myer, who organised an online collection for the charity, more than £2,000 has been raised since last weekend.

Mr Myer said: “It’s amazing what our community can do when we come together.

"Through so many people chipping in, our town has taken a difficult situation and shown how we can help people in need.”

Ruth Fox, chief executive of Footprints in the Community, said: “I'm overwhelmed by how quickly and generously people are giving.

"I can assure you that this will make a massive difference to local people. Thank you.”

Hundreds of people made donations as a result of the appeal, which captured the attention of many in the area, including local politicians and the Tees Valley Mayor.

The charity opened the food bank in January 2013 and since then has supported thousands of families in need, about a third of whom are children.